Sit Less and Walk More

09

Aug 13

The evidence for the effect of regular activity on physical and mental health is substantial and convincing and the role of physical activity for cancer treatment and prevention is clear1. New evidence is emerging that suggests that not only do we need to be more active for good health, but we also need to think of sitting less. Long periods of sitting may be detrimental to metabolic and cardiovascular health and could possibly increase risk of cancer2.

Most people may realise this because sitting for ages on a plane or in an office makes us feel uncomfortable, but we are only now realising how important it is to minimise sitting time. The new evidence suggests that, even if you are a regularly active person, too much sitting is not good for you.

Changing our day to day habits is incredibly difficult, even when there are so many potential benefits. In a short engagement programme in the Scottish parliament, funded by Edinburgh Beltane3, I raised awareness of the possible dangers of too much sitting and learned from those who worked in the parliament about how they might consider sitting less and walking more at work. Those involved provided the following top tips for reducing sitting time in the workplace:

Use stairs rather than lift

Leave desk at regular intervals

Get outside for a breath of fresh air at lunchtime

Speak directly to colleagues rather than email or phone

Do not eat lunch at desk

Walk to distant water coolers, printers, photocopiers and toilets rather than using the closest ones